SWAN EYES an ELUSIVE BREAKTHROUGH at MADISON

Topics:  James Swan, Firecracker 40

Jordan Kuehne
Mid American Stock Car Series
June 30, 2011

FORT ATKINSON, Wis. (Thursday, June 30th, 2011) – With four championships in hand, James Swan’s goal for tomorrow’s Mid-American Stock Car Series ‘Firecracker 40’ can be summed up in one word: win.

That simple task has proven to be surprisingly elusive for the Genoa City, Wis., hotshoe at Madison International Speedway over the past eight years; whether it be plain bad luck or the very strong competition, Swan’s proven prowess hasn’t transferred to the fast half-mile oval located on the outskirts of Oregon, Wis.

“We’ve been flipped over, beaten on, and spun numerous times,” the veteran offered. “One year, I managed to set the track record, win my heat, lead the feature, only to see a motor blow on me. It’s been pretty bad luck at that place.”

Indeed, Swan’s dive at MIS can be partially attributed to his bad luck – a concept he believes strongly in. That doesn’t prevent the four-time MASCS champion, fresh off a momentum-swinging victory in last Saturday night’s weekly show at Rockford, from radiating confidence on the eve of a crucial raceday.

“The car’s really good right now and we’re confident in our chances,” Swan admitted. “Whatever happens, happens. I’m not entering that race with any expectations. I’m racing to win.”

While Swan credits his ‘good luck’ for the strong start to his 2011 season, a rivalry with longtime contender and MASCS multi-champion Bill Prietzel may contribute more fireworks on the track than those that will cap off an action-packed night of racing. After a spectacular rollover in last September’s Fall Classic, Swan’s magnificent crew enabled the driver to return to the track and salvage a top-20 result.

“Without Hankscraft and my crew, I know I wouldn’t have these great opportunities,” he acknowledged. “I couldn’t afford to run (Mid-Am or Big 8) without them. I know we certainly wouldn’t have gotten back on track there without their devotion.”

Returning to the speed plant that has bitten him numerous times before may prove critical on the season-long chase for a fifth title that the driven Swan desires. Coming off an amazing last-lap, last turn victory that left Prietzel shaking his head three weeks ago at Dells Raceway Park, Swan is hoping to hang on to his slender six-point edge over his rival entering Friday’s action.

With each driver boasting one win apiece after Prietzel’s trophy from April’s season-opening Spring Classic, the third bout in what is shaping up to be a memorable year promises to be an exciting one with over 25 MASCS entries expected.

Swan faces the added challenge of pulling off double duty tomorrow as the wheelman will also in the Big 8 Series ‘Independence 48’ that precedes the MASCS main event. He admits that with temperatures anticipated to hit triple digits, it will be a grueling grind during the afternoon portion.

“With the Big 8 car coming into form, it should be a long, but satisfying, day,” he stated. “It’s going to be really tough in the afternoon hopping from car to car, sometimes without even taking my helmet off. It’s a lot of stress trying to figure out both cars and it’s a lot of pressure on the crew but it pays off because we’re ahead of the curve in regards to the track changing from the afternoon to the evening. I like it.”

The diehard racer credits his girlfriend Katie for inspiring him to push himself to the max on the racetrack. While Katie’s initial goal of 60 races for the 2011 season probably wont be reached, Swan has been chasing wins across the Midwest, snagging a Late Model victory last Saturday night in a Rockford Speedway special. Thanks to dedicated and understanding car owners, Swan is also able to chase titles in the MASCS, Big 8, and Midwest Sportsman division at Slinger Super Speedway in Slinger, Wis.

Swan is thankful, admitting that having three really good opportunities right now alongside a strong contingent of sponsors and a pair of committed car owners puts him in the minority in short-track racing. However, the Wisconsin driver harbors no plans to pursue more difficult competition, choosing instead to stick with what he likes best.

As the MASCS season rolls on through a crucial three-race July period, Swan hopes to start the stretch off with something he’s never accomplished before: a win at MIS. Whether he finally exorcises his MIS demons or he puts on an early fireworks exhibition trying, fans will experience Swan’s driving-style first hand tomorrow night -- on the edge of their seat.

Gates are scheduled to open at 4:45pm and the green flag is set to wave on the terrific trio of touring series action at 7:30pm sharp. For more information, visit the track website at www.madisoninternationalspeedway.com.

For more information about the Mid-American Stock Car Series, including the full 2011 schedule, results, standings and driver information visit www.midamericanracing.com.